Sudden Deafness (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss)
Loss of hearing that occurs quickly due to such causes as explosion, a viral infection, or the use of some drugs.
Part of: Sensorineural Hearing Loss
About Sudden Deafness
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), commonly known as sudden deafness, occurs as an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing—usually in one ear—either at once or over several days. It should be considered a medical emergency. Anyone who experiences SSHL should visit a doctor immediately. Sometimes, people with SSHL put off seeing a doctor because they think their hearing loss is due to allergies, a sinus infection, earwax plugging the ear canal, or other common conditions. However, delaying SHHL diagnosis and treatment may decrease the effectiveness of treatment.
Nine out of ten people with SSHL lose hearing in only one ear. SSHL is diagnosed by conducting a hearing test. If the test shows a loss of at least 30 decibels (decibels are a measure of sound) in three connected frequencies (frequency is a measure of pitch—high to low), the hearing loss is diagnosed as SSHL. As an example, a hearing loss of 30 decibels would make conversational speech sound more like a whisper….Read more about Sudden Deafness NIH – National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders